Hg, Bi, and InSb wires were prepared within the channels of chrysotile
asbestos. Transmittance electron micrographs of wires with diameters
of 2-10 nm have been obtained. Polarized optical absorption spectra of
the wires have been studied in the spectral region 0.5-3 eV, and high
anisotropy of the absorption has been observed. Resistance versus tem
perature dependencies of the wires have been investigated.